Prison Officer Dies After Alleged Assault

A prison custody officer who was allegedly assaulted by a prisoner at a court has died, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

Lorraine Barwell, from Romford, northeast London, was attacked at Blackfriars Crown Court as she escorted the prisoner between the court and a waiting van in the courtyard.

The 54-year-old, who worked for security company Serco, was treated at the scene by London's Air Ambulance service before being taken to an east London hospital.

Humphrey Blake, 22, of no fixed abode, appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with grievous bodily harm over the alleged assault.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 15 July.

Rupert Soames, chief executive of Serco, said the company was "appalled and saddened" by Ms Barwell's death, and would do "everything we can" to support her family and friends.

He added: "Lorraine was a brave and experienced Prisoner Custody Officer who was a popular and highly respected member of our team, and had worked for Serco for over ten years.

"She will be sorely missed by everyone who worked with her.

"The team who escort and look after prisoners as they travel to and from court perform an important and difficult public service, and we should all appreciate the work they do."

Oscar Garcia-Villaverde, who worked with Ms Barwell, said: "Everyone who worked with Lorraine, who was affectionately known as Rocky, is absolutely devastated by what has happened.

"Lorraine was really well-liked and she had many friends here; we will all miss her dreadfully. Our thoughts are with her family."

Justice Secretary Michael Gove also paid tribute.

He said: "Lorraine Barwell was a courageous and dedicated prisoner custody officer who delivered a vital public service for more than a decade.

"She, like thousands of prison officers across the country, worked hard in challenging circumstances to keep the public safe.

"My department will provide every assistance to the police as they investigate this incident."

The POA, the professional trades union for prison, correctional and secure psychiatric workers, said the "unspeakable crime" should serve as a reminder of the "violent and unpredictable nature of the criminal justice workplace".

The union added in a statement: "This is not about public good, private bad, or vice versa, but a stark illustration that staff within the criminal justice system care for and control violent criminals 24 hours a day every day of the year in the essential protection of the public."